Loose sheet holder



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LOGSE SHEET HOLDER Filed Deo. 17, 192;; A. sheets-sheet s J05 JU J05 J5 -70 July 331, 1934. J. EIFEI. 1,968,286

LOOSE SHEET HOLDER Filed Deo. 17, 1,9211 4 sheets-sheet 4 Patented July 31, 1934 A UNITED STATES PATENT oFFicE i 1,968,281; LoosE SHEET HOLDER Joseph Eifel, Chicago, Ill.

Application December 17, 1921, serial No. 523,086 14 claims. (c1. L29-43) This invention relates 'broadly to engaging means and more particularlyrelates to means for engaging and locking one or a plurality of sheets in predetermined position. Among the more important objects which characterize this invention are: the arrangement whereby a plurality of sections are assembled to form a base having variable dimensions, and means for locking the base in adjusted positions, together with engaging members on the base for engagement .with and retention of one or more sheets; the embodiment wherein the base may be adjusted to various sizes and locked; wherein is embodied a leverV mechanism for connecting the several relatively adjustable sections forming the base; the mechanical organization whereby the engaging members may be angularly displaced as a unit relative to the basek and locked; the relatively movable elements forming 20 the engaging elements whereby a4 sheet is locked by the relative movement of these elements in one direction, and released by relative movement of the elements in another direction, in

other words, the manner of securing the sheets by changing the contour of the sheet-engaging elements; the opposed group arrangement of the sheet-engaging elements and means for relatively shifting the said elements, together with the means for connecting the sheet-engaging elements of the two or more groups whereby simultaneous looking and releasing movement of the saine is attained; the provision of sheet-engaging elements which are variable in length as desired; the locking arrangement for retaining the sheet engaging members in angularly adjusted positions; and the general compactness, ruggedness and utility oi the device.

In the attainment of the objects and such other objects and advantages as may hereinafter appear, I have provided a structural embodiment which indicates one mode of carrying out the aims of this invention which structure is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a plan view, with parts in section, of the device embodying the improvements of this invention; Y

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view taken on the plane of line 2-2 of Figure 1, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional View taken on the plane of line 3 3 of Figure l, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal section taken on line fi-ei of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fi-gure 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5--5 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows; r

Figure is a view similar to Figure 4 of a modication;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary sectional View ofV a detail of a modiiica-tion;

Figure 8 is an end elevation illustrating a modified form of lock for the sheet-holding niem-` bers;

Figures 9 and 10 are fragmentary plan and end views, respectively, of a further modied form oi the invention.y f Figure 11 is a section taken on line 11-11 of` Figure 9, looking in thel direction indicated by the arrows;

Figure 12 is a section taken on line 12--12 of Figure 10, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figures 13 and 14 are elevational and sectional views, respectively, of the sheet-engaging pins,V the latter view taken on line 14-14 of Figure 1;

Figure 15 is an end elevation of one of the locks for holdingthe pin-carrying elements in adjusted position; f

Figure 16 is a detail view of -a modied form of lock for the base sections;

Figure 17 is a fragmentary plan View of an alternative form of the invention, parts being shown in section, taken on the line 17-17 of Figure 18, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Figure 18 is a 'sectional' View taken on the line 18-18 of Figure 17, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows; a

Figure 19 is a sectional view taken on the line 19-19 of Figure 17, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Figure 20 is a sectional View of a still further alternative form of the invention.

Referring more particularly to the drawings which illustrate certain preferred and modified embodiments of this invention, and with special reference to Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, it will be observed that I have provided a binder for loose sheetswhich includes generally a base 10, and side or sheet-engaging member carrying sections 1l and 12. These sheet-engaging, member-carrying sections are substantially identical in construction, with few exceptions, which will appear hereinafter, and therefore a description of but one, together with the exceptions, will suiiice.

As will be seen best in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, the base 10 comprises an intermediate portion which includes a bottom plate 13, said plate extending longitudinally of the device and having its free ends upturned at 14--14 and engaged over a cover plate 15, thus aiording a longitudinal chamber 16 for a purpose which will presently appear.

The base 10 further includes the longitudinal supporting plates 17 and 18 which have their adjacent margins receivable within the chamber 16, the outer portion of the plates 17 and 18 being secured to the hinge leaves 19 and 20, which latter are provided with hingebarrels-4 21 and 22, respectively, which engage the hinge pins 2,3 and 24, respectively, carried by the side sections 11' and 12. Machine screws 25-25 serve the purpose of iixedly connecting the plates 17 and 18 to the hinge leaves 19 and 20.

The bottom plate 13 and the top plate 15 forming the chamber 16 provide what might be termed the intermediate portion 10 ofthe base,V

and this intermediate portion is so related to the sections composed of the parts 11, 12, 19, 20, 17 and 18 that the latterare movable in opposite directions toward and away from each other relatively to the intermediate section, thus afiord-- ing a b ase of variable dimensions.v f

In order to afford the adjustment referred to aboveand to lock the intermediate `and outer end sections of the base in various positions as desired, and in order to insure the Yeven relative displacement of these elements, I provide a lever arrangement which in its entirety takes the form of a lazy-tongs and is exemplified in .Figure 1 by the links 26 and 27 articulated on a pin 28 which extends transversely through the bottom and top plates 13 and 15; links 29 and 30 articulate with the links 26 and 27 at their respective in termediate portions on pins 31`-31; the lattermentioned links being articulated with the hinge plates 19 Yand 20 on the pins 32-32. The other ends of the llinks 29 and 30 are articulated on a pin 33 which extends through the plates 13 and 15 and` is slidable in alignedy slots 34. in said plates. Similarly, the ends of the links 26 and 27, remote from the pivot 28, are provided with pins -35 which lie each in slots 36-36 provided in the hinge plates 19 and 20. .A

In order to providey for compactness and to allow for the relative positions of the links 26,

27, 29 and 30,the hinge leaves 19-and 20 areI made intwo sections eachas best seen in Figadjacent hinge leaf-at the upper right-hand side of Figure 1 and that the link 30 underlies the adjacent hinge leaf at the lower right-hand side..

of Figure 1. However, it will further be observed that as the links 27 and 29 overlie the diagonal` opposite portions of -the hinge leaves and, as well,` overlie the links 30 and '26, respectively, and as.

these latter links underlie the portions of the hingeleaves to `which they are connected, these latter portions of the hinge leaves must be Voffset upwardly, as indicatedv at .37 and 38, to 're-n ceive the Vadjacent portions of their respective links as the binder is expanded or contracted.

From the foregoing it -will be seen that the link arrangement described will permit of the portions ofthe base being relatively slidably adjusted to., attain various dimensions, the lower pivots 28 and of pins 43 and 32.

32 being fixed and the upper pivots 33 and 35 being slidable as viewed in Figure 1. The ends of the links 27 and 29 overlie the adjacent portion of their respective leaves and thus the planes in which these leaves lie are proper to insure smooth operation of links.

In order to lock the sections of the base in the different dimensions which the same may assume whenv adjusted, one of the links, in the present instance 26, carries, a toothed lug 39 which is adapted to engage with a complementally toothed arm 40 carried at one end of a slidably mounted plate 41, which plate is secured to and slidable upon the underface of the hinge leaf 19 by means It will be understood that the arm 40lies in the plane of movement of the lug 39, the free end of the plate 41 being bent upwardly through a slot 44 in the hinge leaf 19 to form a finger-engaging member 45 whereby the lock may be manipulated. A spring 46 is secured atA 47 to the upper face vof the hinge leaf 19 and bears againstthe lingerv piece 45 so as to always tend to maintain the teeth of the arm 40 in engagement with those ofthe lug 39.

The sections 11 and 12 serve tocarry the sheetengaging lingers and these sections 11 and 12 are rangularly adjustable relatively to the base on the hnge pins 23 and24 and contain mechanismv for manipulating the sheet-engaging iingers whereby to lock vor release the sheets held in the binder. The sections 11 andf12 preferably comprise the longitudinal housings 48 and 49 and as the contents of these housings are substantially identical with exceptions pointed outV hereinafter, I will describe the contents of the housing 48 only. It willbe observed thatA the housing yis rectangular in cross-'section although this may be varied as foundldesirable, and that-arranged within the housing, as bestshown in Figures 1, 4 and 5, are

a plurality of brackets `50, which brackets are secured in desirednurnber and location within the housing.` y

- he brackets 50 carryeach a pin 51 (see Figs. 1 and 4)l whichis terme-d thestationary element of the sheet-engaging members to be describedpresently,.and 4these pins project through the inner Wall 520i the housing 48, which wall is secured to the top and bottom walls of the housing in any desired manner, and carry the enlarged portions 5,3-53 which are intended to engage the sheets.

Complemental pinsv 54 and 54 are arranged above and adjacent to the pins 51--51 and project through suitable slots 55 `(See Fig. 3) formed in the wall 52 of the housing, and these pins may be termed the movable elements of the sheet-engaging members. These pins 54 and 54 are carried by reciprocable bars 56 and 57, respectively, which bars are slidably-l mounted for movement in opposite directions within the housing 48. The pins 54 are carried by the bar 56, and the pins 54 by the bar 57, so that displacement of the pins will be with their respective bars.- It will thus be seen that the pins 51 and-54 form the elements of theunitsy which make up each one of the sheetengagingmembers. u

In order to reciprocate the bars -56 and 57 in opposite directions, a disk 61 is mounted for rotation within the housing upon the endmost lefthand bracket as viewed in Figures 1, 4 and 5.- This i disk is provided with a squared stud 62 which projects through a suitable opening 63 in the wall disk 61 and project rearwardly therefrom and lie Y Within transverse slots'66 formed in enlargedportions 67-67 on the bars 56 and`=57. understood that when the disk is rotated through the medium of the wing nut, this motion, through' the medium of the pinfand slotV described, will impart rectilinear motion in opposite direction to the bars and 57. The disk mechanism is. of course, duplicated at Slot on the opposite side 'of the binder.

The covers of the binder of this invention are shown at 68 and 69, and are hingedon the sections l1 and l2 this being accomplished by means of the housings 48 and 49, which housings preferably comprise the walls and 7l formed with hinge barrels 72, l'72, which latter barrelsencircle the hinge pins 23 and 24 and are provided with eX- tending lips 73 which engage the under portions of the brackets 50-50 and walls 52, the upper portions of the walls 70 and 7l having hinge barrels '74 which encircle the hinge pins 75 of the covers 68 and 69. lIhus the brackets 50-50 and walls are supported by the members 70 and 7l to make up the complete housings and said members 70 and 71 are hingedly connected with theleaves 19 and 20 through the pins 23 and 24 and also hingedly connected with the covers 68 and 69 through the respective hinge pins provided therefor.

It will be observed that two types ofl nger jrnembers for engagement with the sheets have been illustrated but I will describe butone form at this time, namely, that form shown in Figure 1. As will be seen from-Figure l, thel pins 54, 54

project from the housings 48 and 49 and are split' to retain the sleeve sections 5l', these sections being irictionally retained in position on the pins 54,

54 at any desired point so as to provide for variable length. of the finger. The sleeves 5l in ene form are in turn provided with reduced slotted portions 75, which portions are adapted to receive 'each a cap 77 of substantially the same diameter or" longitudinally arranged external grooves 55' which are adapted' to receive complementally formed tongues 56 on the cap member 77.

Where it is desired to connect the opposite sets of sheet-engaging elements or pins simultaneously, I provide structures for; this purpose illustrated in Figures 17` to ,20, both inclusive. which will presently be described.

As shown in dotted line in Figure 3, the paper( sheet is designated S5 and this sheet is provided with a pair of groups oi notches 86 in one edge thereof, the notches having oiset recesses 87 in the inner ends thereof. -As will be observed from Figure 3, the offset portions oi the notches of 1 the respective pairs referred to are oppositely disposed to receivethe pin sleeves 5l' of the two groups as these pins are displaced-for locking in opposite directions.

When the pins are in the position shown in Figures 3 and 4, their sleeves 5l will engage in the respective recesses-87 of the pairs of groups of notches in the sheet and retain the latter against displacement. Uponrotation of the disk and the consequent bringing of the pins 54' and ,54" into vertical valignment with the pins 51, the

It Will bev sheet may be removed. It will thus be seen that the paper is retained 'by changing the contouror the relative angular position of the ngers which engage the sheets and that each group of sheet-'engaging fingers is simultaneously operated to perform the desired function.

Another `manner of accomplishing theresult just referred to is shown in Figures 6 and 7. InY

this instance the bars 56 and 57 both extend the entire `length of the section l1, and carry each anentire series of pins 88 and 89, respectively, said pinsY lying relatively close together and adapted for movement in opposite directions to engage or disengage in complemental recesses formed in the sheet. In this instance the sheet is provided with'a plurality of notches 9i) along one edge thereof, said notches having oppositely disposed lateral recesses 91 and 92 so aligned as to be engaged by the pins 88 and 89, respectively, whenr the latter are displaced to oiset or angular position to each other as shown in FigureA 6. When the pins are in alignment, as shown in Figure 7, the sheet may be removed.

Itwill be understood that while sheets may be removed from the pin members by aligning them, yet in some circumstances itis desired to transfer sheets from one set of pins to the otherl without removing the entire group oi sheets from' the binder and, in order to accomplish this end, the sheet-engaging elements are arranged for angular adjustment relative to the base.

'Where the opposed sets of pins are to be op# operated in unison, then the form of the inventiony shown in Figures 17 to 20 may be employed, it being understood that in that event the operating mechanism of the pins, represented by the elements 6l, 64, 65, etc., will vbe omitted from one or the other of the opposed hingeleaves.`

As a means for maintaining the housings 48 and 49 in angular adjustment relative to the base, the hinge-leaves 19 and 29 are each pro# vided with an angularly adjustable locking device, and, 'as these'devices are identical, but one will be described. This locking arrangement is best shown in Figure 15, wherein a segmental plate 93 is carried by the hinge leaf 19, and preferably formed integrally therewith, this plate 93 lying in a plane atright-angles to the leaf 19 adjacent to the end of the housing 48. The latter is provided with a segmental plate 94 formed integrally` gular adjustment. A spring washer 97 isinter-y posed vbetween the head of the screw and the plate 93.

As' an alternative manner of manipulating the bars'56 andv 57, I have pro-vided a rack. pinion arrangement shown in Figure 1l. Here it will be observed that a pinion 98 is arrangedin the place ofthe disk 6l, this pinion being provided with a polygonal stud 99 to which a wing nut may be attached. 'The pinion engages with rack teeth 98 and 99' formed on the bars 'A516 and 57, respec` tively. f

In Figures 9 and 10 the pinion and rack engagernent, justr described, is embodied in a modiiedform of the invention 'wherein locking and releasing movement o f the sheet-engaging members is obtained as wellas the variable dimensioning of the base and itsy locking, the arrangement which is square 1n cross-section, extends through here permitting angular adjustment of the side sections. It will be understood that in this form of the invention the combined features of simultaneous operation of the sheet-engaging elements may be accomplished, and that angular adjustment of the sheet-engaging elements for the transfer of sheets from one set to the other is facilitated.

This arrangement includes the housings 48 and 49 and their associated pin-operating mechanisms, together with the rack and pinion arrangement. In this case, both of the housings contain the rack and pinion arrangement and shafts 100 project from the housings in opposite directions toward the center of the base. carry universal joints 101 which connect to oppositely disposed straps 102, the free ends of which straps are received in sleeve members 103, of which there are a pair arranged in the parallel rectangular bores 104 provided in spaced parallel relation in the block 105. The sleeves 103 are each provided with a slot 106, which slots terminate short of the ends of the sleeve members and are adapted to receive each a pin 107 carried by the straps 102, thus permitting relative movement of the sleeves and their straps as well as conning this relative movement within certain limits. The sleeves may be locked againstmovement at any desired location in the block 105 by means of winged set screws 108, each one of these set screws impinging on one of the sleeves. The remaining parts of the device shown in Figures 9 and 10 are identical with that form of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2.

In the operation of this form of the invention, rotation of the block 105 imparts rotation to the pinions 98 and thus simultaneously operates the sheet-engaging elements carried by the binder. Where it is desired to angularly adjust the sheetengaging members, the same are swung on their respective hinges and universal joints 101 permit of this movement, it being obvious that the block 105 iioats between the side sections or housings. Where it is desired to extend the base or contract the same and thus vary its dimensions, the wing screws 108 may be released from the sleeve member 103 so as to permit such adjustment as is required. The universal joints permit manipulation of the sheet-engaging elements regardless of @the angle of disposition of the same relative to the base.

--for manipulating the disk 61, and also another form of lock for the base sections.

In this form of the invention, the disk 61 is provided with an annular flange 62 which is adapted to engage the inner surface of the wall 52, the disk carrying the pins 65 previously described. A stud 109,

a square opening in the center of the disk 61 and is provided with a head 110 engaging the rearA face of the disk. The stud 109 projects beyond -l-the casing 48 and receives a wing nut 111 provided With a squared recess 112, for imparting rotation to the disk. A small wing nut 113 passes through the wing nut 111 and is provided with a threaded shank 114 which engages in a suitably threaded opening axially arranged in the stud 109, for locking the wing nut and disk by friction in adjusted position.

In this modification the lock for retaining the base sections in adjusted position is as best shown 'jin Figure 16 a pivoted pawl carried by each of The shafts 100` the plates 1'7 and 18, this pawl being designated 115 and carried by the plate 18. The pawl is adapted to engage in one of a series of openings 116 formed in an upstanding flange 117 formed on one end of the bottom plate 13. A spring 118 maintains the pawl normally in the engaging position andthe free end of this pawl is provided with a finger portion for facilitating its disengagement as desired.

It will be observed from an inspection of Figure 8 that, if desired, the tubular members 59" shown in Figure 20 may be employed for connecting the opposed sheet-engaging ngers 58, 59 and 57a of Figure 8. It is to be understood that where the connecting tubular members 59 are not employed in Figure 8, then the mechanism for shifting the parts of the sheet-engaging fingers may be duplicated at the right side of Figure 8, as shown at 111a.

t is further to be understood that, while this duplication may be resorted to, the sets of fingers 59 at the right of Figure 8 may be shifted by grasping the fingers themselves, if desired, and dispensing with duplicating the shifting disc and associated mechanism previously described.

Referring now more particularly to the alternative forms of the invention shown in Figures 17, 18, 19 and 20, these alternative forms of the invention are provided for operating the opposed groups of pins on the hinge members 11 and 12 simultaneously for the purpose of locking and unlocking the sheets in the binder.

Referring first to Figures 17 to 19, I provide a bracket '79 riveted to the plate 15 and lying transversely thereof in a position substantially in theY vertical plane passing through the planes of the pins of the opposed groups. This bracket 79 is provided at its upper end with a substantially cylindrical portion 80. This cylindrical portion 80 is formed by rolling the sheet-metal of the bracket 79 as shown in Figure 19.

The opposite ends of the cylindrical portion 80 may be split, as indicated at 80a, for facilitating the application and removal of the rocking mem-- ber 81. The rocking member 81 is provided with curved jaws 82 which, due to inherent resiliency thereof, may be snapped over the member 80 in assembling the device, or the portion 82 may be slid on from one side or the other. However, it is desirable that the member 81 be resilient so as to facilitate removal of this member in the event that its use is not desired. In order to prevent longitudinal movement of the rocking member 81 on the bearing member 80, stop members 81a, 81a may be inserted in the portions 82.

The rocking member 81 is provided with a cylindrical bearing portion 82a, and this portion is adapted to receive the reduced ends 84 of the pin members 83. Similar extension pin members 83a, provided with extension portions 84a, are inserted in the bottom bearing portion 82. Obviously, these bottom members 83 have no rocking movement, as they are the relatively stationary members of each pin group. Upon rocking pins of one group the motion thereof is imparted through the member 82a, and the removable pins of the group thus lock the unlocking sheets in the binder.

Another manner is shown in Fig. 20 for insuring the simultaneous operation of the groups wherein the pins 58 and 59 are connected by a tubular member 59', these members performing the function similarly to the sleeve 82a, previously described.

It will thus be seen from the foregoing that this invention permits of the relative adjustment of the base for affording changeable dimensions, also permits the angular adjustment of a plurality of groups of sheet-engaging vmembers relative to the base, also the changing ofthe contour of the sheet-engaging member for engaging and disengaging a sheet, and the locking of the device in its various adjustable positions.

Having thusr described my invention and illus trated its use, what I claim as-new Yand desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A loose leaf binder including sheet-engaging elements having parts whereby they may Vbe variable in contour, means-for shifting theparts of said elements to change their contour to Yform relatively staggered abutments projecting inzopposite directions for engagement with complemental recesses in a sheet to hold the same against displacement.

2. A loose leaf binder comprising two sections movable toward and away from each other, a set of sheet-engaging elements variable in contour on each of said sections and oppositely disposed so that when the binder is closed the respective ends l of said sheet-engaging elements are in abutting relationship, means for shifting said elements to change their contour to form relatively staggered abutments projecting laterally in opposite directions for engagement with complemental recesses in a sheet to hold the same against displacement.

3. A loose leaf binder including a base of variable dimensions comprising sections movable toward and away from each other, a group of sheet-engaging pins on each of said sections, said groups being in opposed relationship, the individual sheet-engaging pins of said groups each including relatively angularly displaceable parts for changing the transverse contour thereof, said pins being adapted to engage sheets having complemental apertures therein, means for relatively displacing the complemental parts of one of said groups of pins to form a locking engagement with the sheets, and means for simultaneously relatively angularly displacing the parts of the pins of the complemental opposed group.

e. A loose leaf binder including a base of variable dimensions comprising an intermediate section and end sections movable toward and away from each other, a group of sheet-engaging `pins on each of said end sections, said groups being in opposed relationship, the individual sheet-engaging pins of said groups each including relatively angularly displaceable parts for changing the transverse contour thereof, said pins being adapted to engage sheets having complemental apertures therein, means for relatively displacing the complemental parts of one of said groups of pins to form a locking engagement with the sheets, and means on said intermediate section for simultaneously relatively angularly displacing the parts of the pins of the complemental opposed group.

5. A loose leaf binder including a group of sheet-engaging pins, each pin including complemental parallel parts, means for simultaneously moving one of the parts of each of said pins transversely of the axis thereof comprising a bar on which certain of said parts are carried, and a disk member rotatable for imparting motion to said bar.

6. A loose leaf binder including a group of sheet-engaging pins, each pin including complemental parallel parts, means for simultaneously moving one of the parts of each of said pins transversely of the axis thereof comprising a bar on whichl certain-of said parts'are carried, and a rack .bar member and a pinion. engaging therewith for 'imparting reciprocation to said pincarrying bar for displacing the Vpin parts carried thereby. Y

. :7. In a loose leaf binder, pairs of opposed sheetengaging elements comprising each relatively displaceable parts for changing the external contour of the .sheet-engaging. elements, sliding barsl for imparting relative movement to said parts of vsaid sheet-engaging.elements, means for Asimultaneously actuating said bars comprising aoating block mounted between said groups, relatively movable `straps slidably mounted in said block and having universal joint. connections in `the outer ends thereof, and means connected to said universal joints :for imparting `displacement toA said pin-carrying bars.

. 3. In a loose leaf binder, a base member of variable dimensions having portions movable toward and away from each other, pairs of opposed sheetengaging elements comprising each relatively displaceable parts for changing the external contour ofthe sheet-engaging elements, sliding bars for imparting relative movement to said parts of said sheet-engaging elements, means for simultaneously actuating said bars comprising a floating block mounted between said groups, relatively movable straps slidably mounted in said block and having universal joint connection in the outer ends thereof, and means connected to said universal joints for imparting displacement to said pin-carrying bars, said block and straps automatically accommodating themselves in length to the displacement of the parts of said base member.

9. In a loose sheet holder, a base having sections displaceable relatively for varying the dimensions thereof, sheet engaging pins on said sections arranged in opposed groups, means for relatively angularly displacing said groups of sheet-engaging pins, and means for Xing the adjustment of such angular displacement of said pins so that the adjacent ends thereof may be positioned to permit of insertion and removal, or transfer therebetween, of sheets to be held thereby.

10. In a loose sheet holder, a base having sections displaceable relatively for varying the dimensions thereof, sheet-engaging pins on said sections arranged in opposed groups, means for relatively angularly displacing said groups of sheet-engaging pins independently of displacement of said sections, and means for maintaining such degree of displacement of said pins so that the adjacent ends thereof may be positioned to permit of insertion and removal, or transfer therebetween, of sheets to be held thereby.

11. In a loose sheet holder, a base having sections relatively displaceable for varying the dimensions thereof, housing portions hingedly mounted on said sections for angular displacement relatively thereto, groups of sheet-engaging pins carried by said housings in opposed relation'- ship, means connecting said sections and housings and arranged to maintain angular adjustment of the latter for maintaining said groups of pins when desired in positions of angular relationship.

12. In a loose sheet holder, a base having sections relatively displaceable for varying the dimensions thereof, housing portions hingedly mounted on said sections for angular displacement relatively thereto, groups of sheet-engaging pins carried by said housings in opposed relationship, means including parallel plates connecting said sections and housings,v locking screws passing through said plates to maintain angular adjustment of the latter for maintaining said groups of pins when desired in positions of angular relationship.

13. In a loose sheet holder, a base including a displaceable section for varying the dimensions of said base, sheet-engaging elements on said sectionvariable in contour, means on said section for shifting said elements to change their contour to form relatively staggered abutments projecting in oppositev directions for engaging with complemental recesses in a sheet to hold the same against displacement, and means for angularly displacing and adjusting said sheet-engaging elements.

L 14. In a loose sheet holder a base having sections relatively displaceable for varying the dimensions thereof, housing portions hingedly mounted on said sections for angular displace# 

